Washington statute
RCW 9A.76.020 — Obstructing a law enforcement officer
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9A.76: Obstructing Governmental Operation, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9A.76.020
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
(1) A person is guilty of obstructing a law enforcement officer if the person willfully hinders, delays, or obstructs any law enforcement officer in the discharge of his or her official powers or duties.
(2) "Law enforcement officer" means any general authority, limited authority, or specially commissioned Washington peace officer or federal peace officer as those terms are defined in RCW 10.93.020, and other public officers who are responsible for enforcement of fire, building, zoning, and life and safety codes.
(3) Obstructing a law enforcement officer is a gross misdemeanor.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is obstructing a law enforcement officer a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Obstructing a law enforcement officer is a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9A.76.020.
Which Washington statute covers obstructing a law enforcement officer?
Obstructing a law enforcement officer is governed by RCW 9A.76.020 (Obstructing a law enforcement officer).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.